COVID-19 was a global pandemic that altered many aspects of American life. From January 2020 to August 2024, over 1,100,000 Americans died from the disease. Quarantine measures, enacted to avoid the spread of COVID-19, altered the way Americans worked and lived. Many social activities—including school and faith-based gatherings—moved online. Even at this writing, COVID-19 continues to impact many Americans’ everyday experiences.

"There is no better time than now to get informed and to support Asian authors. With the coronavirus crisis amplifying violence and hate towards Asian Americans I decided to read more to stay informed. I read several new books and have picked out my top five recommendations that I think you should read this month."